Why examine the neck for migraine head pain?

In many patients with migraine and other forms of primary headache, there seems to be a link between their symptoms and their neck.

For example, when the muscles of the neck are addressed by a massage therapist, or the mechanics of the neck are improved or corrected by a chiropractor, the symptoms can lessen or go away.

There is no known cause for migraine, so it makes sense for migraine sufferers to assume that problem mechanics in the joint alignment of the neck are contributing to their degree of pain (intensity) and how often it happens (frequency) and for how long (duration.)

This is especially the case for patients who are not helped by over-the-counter or prescription migraine headache treatments, or who cannot tolerate the side effects.

However, it’s my personal belief that chiropractors who have received training in the upper cervical procedures, and use one or more of these procedures as the basis of their practice, is the optimal place to start if you experience migraine headache pain.

Why you should consider the upper cervical procedures for migraine

Speaking as a chiropractor who uses the upper cervical chiropractic procedures in practice, here are my top 3 reasons why I think migraines need an upper cervical evaluation:

The myodural bridge at the base of your skull

1. There are direct tissue connections between muscles at the base of the skull (upper cervical region) and the spinal cord. I will say that again in a different way: there’s a literal connection between muscles at the top of your neck and your spine cord! This may play a primary role in development of many kinds of headache pain. Because upper cervical procedures use precision x-rays of the junction of the head and neck, we tend to have a different understanding of what’s happening in that area.

Upper neck alignment changes fluid levels in brain

2. New research has shown that upper cervical alignment can influence and affect blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in and around the brain.

The pulsatile (pounding) nature of migraine could be explained by inflammation in blood vessels in this sensitive area of the head. Upper cervical chiropractic adjustments using the upper cervical procedures have been shown to change these blood and CSF flows (1).

Upper cervical research has demonstrated safety and effectiveness for patients with headache

3. Upper cervical procedures are capable of unlocking/releasing many mechanical problems in the the neck, and even further below in the spine without aggravating the neck.

These procedures are extremely gentle, and safe, and effective for spinal pain and headache as has been demonstrated by research investigation multiple kinds of upper cervical procedures.(2)

Some of the outstanding clinical outcomes of the study include noted improvement in headache pain at 62.8%, in cervical spine pain at 56.8%, in thoracic spine pain at 58.6% and in lumbar spine pain at 57.0% in approximately 17 days.

My own personal experience as an upper cervical chiropractor

Finally, I have my own experience as an upper cervical chiropractor. Throughout this article you’ll find feedback forms of four different migraine patients who received gentle adjusting procedures in the neck and the upper cervical spine from Dr. Zachary Ward here in our office.

While some migraines are complicated and take some time to decrease in frequency and intensity, there is no downside to investigating whether upper cervical procedures may be helpful in your case.

What are the most common treatments options for migraine? This article covers the most popular, from pharmaceutical options to alternative treatments. What is migraine? Migraine is a condition associated with periods of moderate to severe head pain (in most cases), and also nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Answers to some of the… Continue Reading

Many people with headaches wonder: what makes a migraine a migraine? What makes migraines different from other causes of headache? Migraine is one of the most common disorders causing head pain Migraine is one of the most common recurring disorders which create head pain. Migraines affect over 15% of the population with over 35 million… Continue Reading

Hi, this is Dr. Zachary ward at Life In Alignment Chiropractic here in Auburn Hills, Michigan. We’re looking at patient number six: a bone spur leading to chronic neck pain….Big question mark on that one. Let’s go ahead and take a look. Did a bone spur on her CT scan actually cause her neck pain?… Continue Reading

How do you know if baby is having a problem if she can’t speak? Can moms and dads be trained to see the stress their baby is feeling? Can babies have posture problems in the same way that adults can have posture problems? We look at the common but rarely recognized posture problems in babies… Continue Reading

Why Patients Love Our Chiropractic Care

Upper cervical chiropractic at Life In Alignment is different. And different is good.

Fewer adjustments

There are common
patterns to spinal breakdown that must be corrected for the best
changes in symptoms. We focus on the areas that get the most return
on your investment.

Results you can see

All healing takes time. But outside
evidence of positive inside changes should be quick in coming. View
images from the before and after gallery to see what kind of results
you might be able to see in your own spine.

What you need meets what you want

Relief care, corrective care, or
long term wellness.Find out what it's going to take for each, and then
pick the plan that fits your goals, budget, and lifestyle.